Musicians Sting, left, and Paul Simon, right, perform during the Robin Hood Benefit Concert on Monday, May 14, 2013 in New York.Andy Kropa/The Associated Press
This is the first of a weekly feature that highlights the 10 best music happenings in Toronto. Here's what's on this week, Feb. 28 to March 6.
Lady Antebellum, with Kacey Musgraves The Need You Now trio headlines this country music double bill, but fellow Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves makes it worth showing up early. Feb. 28, 7 p.m. $71.75 to $101.75. Air Canada Centre, 50 Bay St., 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
Paul Simon and Sting Still singing pop songs, after all these years. March 1, 8 p.m. $63 to $268. Air Canada Centre, 50 Bay St., 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
Jully Black Energetic, effervescent R&B artist headlines a soft-seater. March 1, 8 p.m. $49 to $54. Markham Theatre, Markham, Ont., 905-305-7469 or markham.ca.
New Creations Festival The TSO's annual new-music fandango (March 1 to 7) kicks off with a program that includes John Adams's Doctor Atomic symphony and the premiere of Magnus Lindberg's knuckle-busting Piano Concerto No. 2 (performed by Yefim Bronfman). March 1, 7:30 p.m. $14 Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St., 416.598.3375 or tso.ca.
Matt Anderson Bluesy New Brunswicker goes solo for his Massey Hall headlining debut. March 1, 8 p.m. $19.50 to $49.50. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., 416-872-4255 or masseyhall.com.
Stephen Hough Fancy-fingered British pianist tackles Schönberg, Strauss, Wagner, Bruckner, Brahms and Chopin. March 2, 3 p.m. $45 to $85. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W., 416-408-0208 or performance.rcmusic.ca.
Broken Bells Musician-producer Danger Mouse and the Shins' James Mercer unveil their pop-tastic new After the Disco album. March 3, 8 p.m. $51.50. Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave., 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
Richard Thompson Finger-picking British folk-rock legend goes solo. March 6, 8 p.m. $45 to $80. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W., 416-408-0208 or performance.rcmusic.ca.
The Heavyweights Brass Band Funky local horn troupe celebrates the release of its punchy new Brasstronomical album, with special guests. March 6, 8 p.m. $20 ($10 with CD). Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W., 416 588 0307 or lula.ca.
Israeli Jazz Showcase Three sets, from the David Buchbinder Ensemble, guitarist Gilad Heksleman and the Shai Maestro Trio. March 6, 7 p.m. $15 (at door). Rex Jazz & Blues Bar, 194 Queen St. W., 416-598-2475 or therex.ca.
Booking Ahead
Billy Joel March 9. Air Canada Centre, 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca
Jessica Lea Mayfield April 23 (on sale, noon, Feb. 28). The Garrison, ticketfly.com
Field Trip (Broken Social Scene, Interpol, Shad, Chvrches, Constantines) June 7 and 8 (weekend passes now available). Fort York Common and Garrison, 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca
NXNE (St. Vincent, Spoon, Sleigh Bells) June 13 to 22. nxne.com
@bwheelerglobe
Brad Wheeler